Evaluation of Reservoir Capacity and Reliability for urban water purpose in Dili, Timor Leste

Abstract

Water shortages has an impact on all aspects of life in Dili, Timor Leste. To support the government vision and program in water sector, a study on the developing of water resource management strategies has been carried out. The priority strategy has resulted that is developing water resource infrastructure to meet urban water demand. One action plan of this strategy is to build reservoir infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the construction of small or large reservoir to meet the water demand in Dili. Evaluation of the strategy implementation plan of the reservoirs development in the Beemos and Becora Rivers through analysis of the reliability and capacity of the reservoir using a simulation model of water release standard operating rules method. Water balance simulation results show that the reliability of clean water services from the two small reservoirs of Beemos and Becora cannot reach 100%, due to the limited capacity of the reservoir. The results of capacity optimization of large Beemos Reservoir show that the potential for inflow can be utilized 90%, therefore it can meet urban water demand until 2030. Although the simulation results show a good indication, the government still must carry out a detailed feasibility study in the upstream area before it is implemented. The developing of large reservoir can be recommended for implemented in the development of water resources to meet water demand in Dili therefore can support the Timor Leste's targets or vision in the water sector and the Sustainable Development Goals in the clean water and sanitation sector.